Rym Aoudia tells us of a companion who sold the pleasures of the world, and bought what Allah had to offer.
Born into a prosperous family, Musab Ibn Umayr (rta) was pampered since childhood. His family, handsome features, and elegant attire further won him a distinguished position among the Makkan community. But that was not all; he was also intelligent. Musab’s interest in Prophet Muhammad (sa) reached its peak because of Quraysh’s constant conversations about the Prophet (sa). On finding out that the Prophet (sa) was holding secret meetings with the believers at the home of Al-Arqam, he decided to quench his curiosity and personally meet the Prophet (sa). The Prophet’s (sa) recitation of verses from the Quran pierced his heart and he ended up embracing Islam.
Although now a Muslim who frequented Al-Arqam’s home for knowledge, Musab (rta) kept it secret especially from his mother Khunnas bint Malik-a powerful woman feared by many. But one day Uthman Ibn Talha saw Musab (rta) pray in the same way as he had seen the Prophet (sa). He rushed to tell Musab’s mother, who ordered Musab (rta) to proclaim his new faith publicly before the community of Quraysh. Once he did, she ordered his imprisonment. But he escaped to join a group of Makkan Muslims migrating to Abyssinia.
On Musab’s (rta) return from Abyssinia, his mother once again ordered his confinement. But this time he threatened to kill anyone who carried out her orders. He was serious and his mother knew it, so she gave up the idea. Then Musab (rta) tried to guide her to Islam but to no avail. She ended up disowning him and severing all ties between them. It was a painful decision for both of them.
During Musab’s (rta) mission as the Prophet’s (sa) Ambassador in Madinah, he proved himself a man of dignity. His people skills were the finest. One of the incidents worth mentioning was when a man named Usayd Ibn Khudayr approached him while he was introducing and inviting people of Madinah to Islam. Angry and frustrated Usayd scolded Musab for turning his people away from the idols they and their ancestors had worshipped for centuries. Musab (rta) patiently listened to Usayd’s complaint, and then calmly asked him to sit down and listen to the recitation of the Qur’an. Once Musab (rta) had Usayd’s complete attention he explained the Prophet’s (sa) mission. Usayd ended up embracing Islam, as did the rest of Madinah. Musab (rta) became well known as Musab Al-Khayr (the Good).
His death was an achievement in and of itself. During the battle of Uhud, Musab (rta) tried to distract the enemies from approaching the Prophet (sa). But while holding the banner and professing: “Allah is the Greatest” his right hand was cut off. So he carried the banner with his left hand, but that was also cut off. Still determined to carry the banner of Islam, he held on to it with what was left of his arms. However, he did not survive the third blow and was rewarded martyrdom. Allah bless Musab (rta) who endured life’s hardships for the sweet taste of a life in full devotion to Allah. He never hesitated to leave his life of luxury among his prosperous family, or his reputable position among those of Quraysh for the sake of Allah and His Prophet (sa).
About author
